University of Mary Respiratory Therapy Program Earns Prestigious National Award

Distinction places program among nation's top-performing respiratory care programs; full-tuition scholarships available for qualified students

BISMARCK, N.D. - The University of Mary's Respiratory Therapy program has earned the Distinguished RRT Credentialing Success Award from the Commission on Accreditation for Respiratory Care (CoARC), placing the program among the nation's top-performing respiratory care programs.

The University of Mary program was one of only 78 of 449 accredited respiratory therapy programs nationwide to receive the prestigious distinction this year. The award recognizes programs demonstrating exceptional success in preparing graduates to earn the Registered Respiratory Therapist (RRT) credential, an advanced professional credential representing a high level of knowledge, clinical competence and professional achievement.

"This year, our program was one of only 78 of 449 accredited respiratory therapy programs nationwide to receive this prestigious distinction, placing it among the nation's top-performing respiratory care programs," said Dr. Chris Sperle, director and chair of respiratory therapy at Mary. "The award reflects the dedication of our students, faculty, and clinical partners in preparing graduates to achieve the profession's highest credential and deliver outstanding respiratory care to their patients."

To qualify for the award, programs must maintain accreditation in good standing, have at least three years of outcomes data, achieve an RRT credentialing success rate of at least 90% and meet or exceed national benchmarks for student retention and credentialing examination performance.

The recognition is the latest indication of the strength and consistency of Mary's Respiratory Therapy program, which has earned the award for several consecutive years. The program is accredited by CoARC and prepares students to become critical members of health care teams caring for patients with respiratory and cardiac conditions.

"The award recognizes respiratory therapy programs that demonstrate outstanding success in preparing graduates to earn the Registered Respiratory Therapist (RRT) credential," Sperle said. "It also serves as an indicator to prospective students, employers, and accrediting bodies that our program consistently prepares graduates for professional success and entry into the workforce as credentialed respiratory therapists."

Respiratory therapy is also a growing health care profession. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects employment of respiratory therapists to grow 12% from 2024 to 2034, much faster than the average for all occupations, with about 8,800 openings projected annually. The median annual wage for respiratory therapists was $80,450 in May 2024.

University of Mary respiratory therapy graduates can pursue careers in adult and newborn intensive care units, hospital emergency rooms, outpatient rehabilitation clinics, sleep-related breathing disorders clinics and home health care. Career paths include respiratory therapist, neonatal/pediatric specialist, sleep disorders specialist, adult critical care specialist, pulmonary function technologist, asthma educator and tobacco treatment specialist.

Adding to the opportunity, Mary offers several full-tuition scholarships for students pursuing respiratory therapy. The scholarships are part of the university's broader investment in high-demand fields and are designed to help prepare competent and caring respiratory therapists while removing financial barriers to a college education.

For more information about the University of Mary's Respiratory Therapy program and tuition-free scholarship opportunities, visit University of Mary Respiratory Therapy or Tuition-Free Academies and Scholarships.